Details have emerged on how Former Deputy President Rigathi
Gachagua has rolled out elaborate plans for a possible coalition with some Azimio leaders ahead of the 2027 polls.
Weeks after Gachagua was hounded out of office and replaced with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the ex-DP is firming up plans for a coalition with opposition bigwigs.
Gachagua is tipped to enter into a political deal with
Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa to take on President
William Ruto in the next general election.
Each side is reportedly represented by four members in the initial technical committee stitching together a partnership arrangement that will birth a mega political machine for the 2027 polls.
The team is working discreetly to
explore options that will see Gachagua team up with Kalonzo and Wamalwa to build a
formidable machine for the 2027 polls.
“We have our teams and the former deputy president has
his team and it is a work in progress,’’ Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said, without revealing the nitty-gritty of the process.
Gachagua has been replaced as the UDA deputy party
leader with plans afoot to eject him from the ruling party in the coming weeks
following his removal from office by impeachment.
There are reports that Gachagua is exploring some
options including either acquiring an already registered party or registering a
fresh one before joining forces with the opposition leaders.
Some insiders say the former DP could settle on an existing
political party with the former ruling Jubilee party among those being
mentioned as his possible vehicles.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is the leader of the Jubilee Party despite past efforts to kick him out from the helm.
It is said that there is a strong push to have Gachagua reconcile with Uhuru ahead of the 2027 polls.
Others are pushing for Uhuru to bury the hatchet with President Ruto. Uhuru's position is however not clear.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a key Gachagua ally, said the DP is not lost of options as he plans his political comeback ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are working on broad-based approaches as we explore available options to secure a resounding political comeback following his irregular ouster,’’ Gakuya said.
The MP suggested that Gachagua is consulting widely with opinion leaders from all shades to map out his re-entry into politics “at an opportune time’’.
While the ongoing talks for a coalition with the Azimio leader are a work in progress, politicians involved in the negotiations are also executing an elaborate strategy to ensure Gachagua’s relevance in his Mount Kenya region.
Maanzo told the Star the Azimio wing that is dissatisfied with ODM working with the government and will work with other parties from Mount Kenya to form a bigger movement.
“It is definite that we are going to have a new
coalition for 2027 and already camps are emerging because of the pressure from
the people,’’ he said.
He said the names of the teams undertaking the negotiations remain guarded for now to avoid infiltration from the state.
Part of the strategy includes having Gachagua attend regular church services across the region, in areas strategically selected to give maximum impact.
The former DP is also attending funeral services across his Mount Kenya backyard, using the platforms to respond to his critics and reassure his support bases.
At the same time, the former DP’s strategists are working on his messaging to ensure it does not upset his supporters or unnecessarily attract the fury of state machinery.
The DCI on Tuesday denied claims that detectives tried to block Gachagua from attending a church service in Nairobi’s Roysambu area last Sunday.
“We want to clarify that these allegations are entirely false and seem to be aimed at misrepresenting the actions and intentions of the DCI,’’ DCI boss Amin Mohamed said.
“The DCI operates within the parameters established by the rule of law and has consistently affirmed its commitment to refraining from interference in the liberties of individuals and institutions.”
Gachagua over the weekend lifted the lid on his 2027 plans when he called on his Mt Kenya base, including Gen Zs to obtain national ID cards and register as voters awaiting his signal.
In a telling message, Gachagua reassured his supporters, saying he has been in talks with religious leaders, business figures, and professionals to strategize for the future.
“I’m talking to a lot of people, and when the time is
right, I will tell you. We will share our plans and listen to your input to
ensure we never face similar challenges again,” he said, hinting at a potential
return to the political arena.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njeru said there is a need for the opposition leaders to work with Gachagua ''as such a combination will form the next government''.
